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Freed prisoners face tags to halt reoffending

THOUSANDS of prisoners are to be electronically tagged after they are released from jail as part of a radical plan by the executive to reduce levels of reoffending.

Under the scheme, proposed by Cathy Jamieson, the justice minister, inmates deemed likely to commit more crimes will be subject to strict curfews after their prison term ends.

Believed to be the first system of its kind in the world, ministers hope it will help reduce Scotland’s massive rate of recidivism. Currently 70% of prisoners go on to commit further crimes after being freed.

Critics have warned, however, that the measures will breach human rights as they seek to punish people for crimes they have not yet committed. Opposition parties and civic groups are concerned the proposal is another populist gimmick to boost the Scottish executive’s image as tough on crime.